The Coast Guard says it needs more information before it can consider a permit for the proposed new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver.

In a letter to project managers last week, the district commander in Seattle, Rear Adm. K.A. Taylor, said the agency can't start a public comment period until managers assess economic impacts on the Columbia River navigation channel.

The Oregonian reports ( http://bit.ly/10MsyQl) the agency wants details concerning mitigation for three upriver manufacturers whose giant products wouldn't fit under the lower clearance of the new bridge.

The Columbia River Crossing needs a Coast Guard permit decision by Sept. 30 to apply for federal money essential to the $3.4 billion project.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com